What is a “Whistleblower”?

Lincoln’s law is one of the original “whistleblower” laws in the United States. During the Civil War, government contractors sold the army sugar but instead delivered sand, sold gunpowder but instead delivered sawdust, sold “boots” made of cardboard. In response, Congress enacted the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act has evolved over time and is currently one of the United States’ best tools for recovering tax money from crooked business practices.

The False Claims historically protects “whistleblowers” who report instances of individuals or businesses bilking the government. The False Claims Act incentivizes whistleblowers by paying the whistleblower a portion of the funds recovered (usually 15-25%). For example, in 2012 GlaxoSmithKline, a foreign corporation, settled a False Claims Act for $2 billion (which translates to an approximate $300 million to $500 million payment to the whistleblower(s)).

The most common claims under the False Claims Act involve false price reporting practices, Medicare/Medicaid fraud including illegal kickbacks to physicians.

It is estimated that approximately $48 billion has been recovered since 1986.

If you are aware of businesses bilking the government and taxpayers, we can help you present your claim. Call the Law Office of Keith Short at 618-254-0055.